Dark Crimes (2016 / 2018)

Dark Crimes (2016 / 2018)

C – 92m / 93m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: True Crimes
Inspired By The Article: “True Crime: A Postmodern Murder Mystery” by David Grann
Screenplay By: Jeremy Brock
Prod.: Brett Ratner
Assoc. Prod.: Jeremy Brock
Dir.: Alexandros Avranas
Starring:  Jim Carrey, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Agata Kulesza and Parianna Figurska.

A murder investigation of a slain businessman turns to clues found in an author's book about an eerily similar crime. This abysmal monstrosity of a thriller has only the star powers of Jim Carrey and Charlotte Gainsbourg to recommend it. The aforementioned duo, Carrey and Gainsbourg, were in terrific shape as actors for this film. Otherwise the story is slight, there is never suspense formed at any time during the film, the script is weak and there is an excessive amount of material that could have and SHOULD HAVE been cut from this film. Even at a mere 93 minutes, this film is over–padded. If only Hollywood could bring back the days when films could be an hour in length and still be satisfying! If this had a better script and was 60 minutes instead of 93, the package of this film would have been in better shape. Sadly that is not the case. This fact alone may lead many viewers to either 1.) Skip this film, which is what this reviewer recommends doing, or 2.) Have their finger resting on the fast forward button on their remote, computer or phone. In any event, watch if you dare. Or be wise and see The Mask (1994) or Liar Liar (1997) for the hundredth time instead.    

Trivia:

This film shot for 32 days in Krakow, Poland. Marianna Figurska (Olga in the film) was Agata Kulesza’s real–life daughter. The article that his film is based on, “True Crime: A Postmodern Murder Mystery” by David Grann, told the strange true story of Krystian Bala, a writer who was arrested for the murder of a Polish businessman. A detective called Jacek, from the Wroclaw police department in Poland, investigated the crime unsuccessfully and yet three years later reopened the case because he read a mystery novel that described murders too close in detail to the case for it to have been a coincidence.    

Rated: [R] – Strong And Disturbing Violent / Sexual Content Including Rape, Graphic Nudity, & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy  

A Tale Of Love And Darkness (2015 / 2016)

A Tale Of Love And Darkness (2015 / 2016)

C / B&W – 95m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Based On The Book By: Amos Oz
Screenplay By: Natalie Portman
Dir.: Natalie Portman
Starring: Natalie Portman

The story of Amos Oz’s youth, set against the backdrop of the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the early years of the state of Israel. How a young man become a writer – in short. While it is impressively acted, the pacing is the big hindrance for this film. Portman had a strong start to directing feature films with this one.

Trivia: The producers wanted the film to be in English but Natalie Portman fought them and made it in Hebrew, like the book. Portman optioned the rights to the book after having tea with the author and his wife. This is Natalie Portman’s directorial feature film debut. She previously directed a short film titled: Eve (2008) and a short segment of the film: New York, I Love You (2008).  

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Content & Some Disturbing Violent Images
Available on DVD & Digital Copy